Thousands of MPO-listed (government-subsidized) teachers and employees have announced an indefinite work stoppage beginning Tuesday to press for an increase in house rent and medical allowances. Under the banner of the Alliance for Nationalization of MPO-Listed Education Institutions, teachers gathered in Dhaka on Sunday demanding a 20% house rent allowance based on basic pay, an increase in the medical allowance from Tk 500 to Tk 1,500, and a festival bonus hike from 50% to 75% of basic salary. Alliance member secretary Principal Delwar Hossain Azizi warned that if the government fails to issue an official circular by Tuesday, the teachers will continue their protest and abstain from work at all schools, colleges, madrasas, and technical institutions. The group previously staged protests in August and September over similar demands and vowed not to return home until their demands are met.